Bryan Taylor, a former state senator and former legal advisor for Gov. Kay Ivey, announced Wednesday he is running for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

Taylor said he is stepping down as legislative counsel for the Alabama Republican Party to focus on the campaign. The primary will be March 5, 2024.

“I am uniquely qualified to lead our state’s court system,” Taylor said in a press release. “My experience as an attorney, Army Judge Advocate and military prosecutor, along with my service in the executive and legislative branches of state government has given me a unique perspective that will benefit Alabama’s courts and the Alabamians they serve. What makes the chief justice position different than the other justices is the administrative side of the job – managing the court system and working with the governor’s office and the legislature to advocate for the needs of the judicial system. I’m the candidate best prepared to do that.”

Taylor is the second Republican to join the chief justice race. Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Sarah Stewart announced in January she is running for the top spot on the nine-member court. Voters elected Stewart to the Supreme Court in 2018. Stewart was a circuit court judge in Mobile for 13 years before her election to the Supreme Court.

Stewart and Taylor are seeking the seat that will come open when Chief Justice Tom Parker’s term ends. Parker cannot seek reelection because Alabama law prohibits judges from being elected or appointed after age 70.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl praised Taylor for his work with the party.

“Bryan Taylor has served the Alabama Republican Party with distinction, and we are grateful for his time with the ALGOP,” Wahl said. “As legislative counsel, his advice has been invaluable to help the Party defend the people of Alabama and the conservative values we hold as Republicans. I wish Bryan the best of luck in all his future pursuits.”

Taylor served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, was stationed in Iraq from 2003-2004, and was awarded the the Bronze Star Medal. In 2010, Taylor was elected to the state Senate representing a district that included Prattville. He is a co-founding member of the law firm of Bachus Brom & Taylor and lives in Shelby County with his three children.

More information is available at Taylor’s campaign website.